This development makes OSI the first MARAD (US Maritime Administration) ship manager to have the interface fully integrated and operating in production.

This interface allows OSI to streamline its business process in procuring and accounting for the items that they use to operate their vessels by completely integrating the two systems.

"The interface greatly reduces the workload of the both the procurement and accounting staff, allowing us to concentrate on the efficient operation of the vessels? says John James, vice president, treasurer and controller of OSI.

"The interface is designed to evolve with OSI's business rules, which are configurable in the interface, as well as satisfy all requirements of the auditors when integrating disparate systems" added Michael Johnson, principal, MSC.

One addition to the interface that MSC sees as particularly useful is a daily report which isolates potential data problems in the operational software, before it has any detrimental effect on the financial software.

"These "pre-checks" allow for OSI to better manage their process and invoke corrective actions in a timely manner", says Mr Johnson.